Meanwhile Alaric and Stefan try to find out about the origins of what they are up to, Damon is searching for an artifact so he travels to Texas where he encounters Peter Maxwell who leads him to a new revelation.

When her children become the focus of the Siren's latest plan, Caroline (Candice King) takes drastic measures to ensure nothing gets in the way of keeping her family safe. In a race against the clock, Stefan (Paul Wesley) pledges to do everything he can to save the twins, while tensions between Alaric (Matt Davis) and Caroline boil over, leading them to face some harsh realities about the future of their family. Meanwhile, when Enzo (Michael Malarkey) finds himself unable to fight off Sybil's (guest star Nathalie Kelley) latest move, Stefan dives into his subconscious and along the way, sets off a chain of events that leaves him faced with a life-changing decision.

Faced with the fallout from his interaction with Cade (Wolè Parks), Stefan (Paul Wesley) is determined to have one thing go right - Christmas Eve with Caroline. However, when Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Sybil (Nathalie Kelley) crash their Christmas Eve dinner, which had been joined by Alaric (Matt Davis), Matt (Zach Roerig) and Peter (Joel Gretsch), things quickly take a dark and twisted turn. Meanwhile, in a series of flashbacks to Stefan's past, Cade's attempt to entice him with his mysterious agenda leaves Stefan faced with an unimaginable decision. Kat Graham and Michael Malarkey also star.

Sybil puts Damon in a catatonic state for revenge. Caroline and Bonnie enter Damon's mind and realize Stefan is the key to his fate. Sybil competes with her sister for control of the bell.

Cade returns to Mystic Falls with new assignments for Damon and Stefan that each lead to unthinkable consequences.

Damon makes a deal with Cade to retrieve the Maxwell journal in exchange for Stefan's soul.

Damon and Alaric face an old enemy after finding a weapon that might kill Cade. Stefan is captured by someone from his past. Bonnie tries to reach out to Enzo through Cade.

Damon and Stefan join forces against Cade to protect Elena's casket, while Caroline and Alaric cope with their daughters' growing powers.